subalpine

American  

[suhb-al-pahyn, -pin] / sʌbˈæl paɪn, -pɪn /

adjective

1. pertaining to the regions at the foot of the Alps.

2. Botany.  growing on mountains below the limit of tree growth, and above the foothill, or montane, zone.

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subalpine British  

/ sʌbˈælpaɪn /

adjective

1. situated in or relating to the regions at the foot of mountains

2. (of plants) growing below the treeline in mountainous regions

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Etymology

Origin of subalpine

First recorded in 1650–60; sub- + alpine

Example Sentences

Mountain goats are tied to rugged alpine and subalpine habitats.

From Seattle Times

In Farmington Canyon north of Salt Lake City, where BWA was first documented in Utah, subalpine fir is experiencing widespread mortality.

From Science Daily

Alpine and subalpine Sphagnum peatlands are endangered in Australia and listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, due to their restricted geographic distribution, biodiversity declines, and challenges in their restoration and regeneration.

From Science Daily

The results detail the remarkable resilience of Northern Rockies subalpine forests to fire in the past.

From Science Daily

Larch season differs in Washington from year to year, but generally, the first couple of weeks in October feature peak subalpine larch colors, while western larches change later.

From Seattle Times